Current Conditions:
The Upper Madison River is fishing well relative to early winter fishing. The mild early winter has kept ice at bay and most of the Upper river is fishable. Trout are in their winter holding water so don't expect to find fish in swift water. Focus on the larger runs with some depth and fish the slow mid river runs or slow seams. Subsurface nymphing or a slow stripped streamer are your best bets. Fly selection is less important than where and when you fish but a girdle bug, egg, small mayfly nymph, smaller bead head, or midge larva can also produce.
The weeks ahead:
Winter fishing won't change month in the coming weeks. If we get a cold snap ice can rapidly build so be cautious of the water near Ennis and down once winter arrives in force.